In the site documentation which is included in every delivered FlexRET antenna

By performing an AISG Scan via a primary (Base Station or AISG control device, e.g. PCA or ALC)

On the product label of the FlexRET module

What happens if one releases all screws of the FlexRET module?

To remove the module, the two upper screws need to be released (TX-20). But even if the other four screws (TX-10) are released, nothing will fall out or be damaged. Please fasten the four screws before leaving the site.

Will all legacy Kathrein antennas migrate to FlexRET technology?

All new, complex multi-array antennas will be equipped with FlexRET. However, existing antennas will not migrate to FlexRET technology.

How is the serial number of the FlexRET module extended?

When using a FlexRET antenna, the serial number of the FlexRET module is extended by the corresponding array ID as stipulated by AISG. The array ID describes the corresponding frequency range by its colour coding abbreviation and an identification number. The identification number is a unique identifier for each antenna system, e.g. “Y1” for the first broadband high-band array.

Example: CSG3415804-Y1

Site Sharing Adapter (63)

Can the Site Sharing Adapter be cascaded?

No, a maximum of 3 operators / base stations can be interconnected with this adapter.

How long is the maximum distance between the Site Sharing Adapter and the FlexRET antenna?

The maximum distance from the Site Sharing Adapter to the last FlexRET antenna is 150 m.

How many antennas can be controlled with one Site Sharing Adapter?

Up to 3 FlexRET antennas in daisy chain.

Can the Site Sharing Adapter be mounted at the base station and the AISG signal be transferred with a Smart Bias Tee?

No, the communication between the Site Sharing Adapter and the FlexRET antenna can only be realized by use of a direct AISG cable connection.

Where should the Site Sharing Adapter be mounted?

Behind all used antenna line devices (ALDs, e.g. DTMA). Hence with the use of ALDs, it needs to be mounted next to the antenna, without ALDs, a mounting at the base station is also possible.

Can the Site Sharing Adapter also be used for other antennas than Kathrein antennas?

No.

What happens if the Site Sharing Adapter is used with more than 3 FlexRET antennas?

The maximum number of FlexRET antennas for a Site Sharing Adapter system is 3. Two possible behaviours can occur if a 4th FlexRET antenna is introduced into the system:

Initial operation: none of the connected FlexRET antennas can be controlled.

Extension of an existing system: the additional (fourth) FlexRET antenna can not be controlled.

Can the Site Sharing Adapter be used in combination with external RCUs?

No, the Site Sharing Adapter can only be used together with FlexRET antennas. If a RCU is introduced into a system with Site Sharing Adapter, then two behaviours can occur:

Initial operation: none of the connected ALDs (FlexRET

and RCU) can be controlled.

Extension of an existing system: the attached RCU can not be controlled. The existing FlexRET antennas can still be controlled.

How are the antenna arrays allocated with the Site Sharing Adapter?

Before deploying the Site Sharing Adapter, one initial configuration needs to be performed in order to allocate the corresponding bands to the respective BTS. With special software, a configuration file is created on a computer which needs to be uploaded to the Site Sharing Adapter by an adequate primary via a standard AISG firmware update. This procedure can also be performed by the BTS or any arbitrary AISG control device.

A second possibility is to use Kathrein control devices. The PCA can be used in direct combination with the Site Sharing Configuration Software to directly upload the configuration to the connected Site Sharing Adapter and FlexRET antennas. A detailed manual for the configuration of the Site Sharing Adapter is available on our homepage. After the assignment, each BTS is independent from the others and will not be able to see or influence the tilt settings and signals of the other BTS. With the ALC, a direct configuration of the Site Sharing Adapter is possible via the ALC menu (from Software version 2.40).

All relevant software can be downloaded in our section “Support" (Driver & Software).

How is the serial number of the FlexRET module extended when using a Site Sharing Adapter?

In addition to the array ID, the serial number of the FlexRET module is also extended by the corresponding input port character of the Site Sharing Adapter ("A" to "C" for 3-way, "A" to "F" for 6-way), e.g. by "A" for input "A".

Example: CSG3415804A-Y1

Can the Site Sharing Adapter and the Gender Adapter / Port Extender be combined?

A combination of the Site Sharing Adapter with the Gender Adapter or the Port Extender is not possible.

RFID-RCU and -Spindle (65)

Which antennas are already available with RFID tag?

An up-to-date overview of the antennas can be found via the following link:

In which orientation does the RCU with RFID reader need to be mounted in order to secure the correct functionality?

The orientation of the RCU to the spindle is not relevant. The automatic configuration works for every mounting position of the RCU. Please make sure that the spindle is set to minimum tilt when mounting the RCU.

What happens if the automatic configuration is overwritten by writing another arbitrary configfile on the new RCU in combination with a new spindle?

An error message is produced stating "invalid file content".

What happens if the RCU is not calibrated? (combination of RFID RCU and RFID spindle)

The calibration is executed with the first "set tilt".

What happens if the RCU is not set to minimum tilt for the first setup?

The RFID tag will not be recognized, the RCU will show the error messages "not configured" and "not calibrated" after the AISG Scan. In this case, please calibrate the RCU, with this, the tag is read out and the RCU will be configured with the read out data.

How can it be checked if automatic configuration is available for the used combination of RCU + antenna?

After the AISG Scan, the colour code will be shown as an extension of the RCU serial number, e.g. DEH1852164-R1.

GPS-Tool (67)

In which countries can the GPS-Tool be used?

The GPS-Tool can be used worldwide. However, in some countries, no SBAS (Satellite Based Augmentation System) is available. This causes a reduction of the accuracy of the GPS position measurement.

How can the position map be zoomed?

Push the copyright logo on the right side of the map to open the zoom button.

How many pictures can be saved in the report?

5 pictures per antenna including the location map.

It is not possible to establish a WIFI connection between tablet and tool - what could be the reason?

One of the following factors could be the cause:

The tool is switched off. In addition, the tool provides an automatic energy saving mode and switches off after 15 min. without operation. Please check if the tool is switched on.

The WIFI is not switched on at the tablet. Please check if the WIFI is set to "ON" in the preferences.

The tablet is not yet connected to the tool. Connect the tablet via WIFI by choosing the WIFI network "kathrein_gps_NN" (NN = number, number) in the WIFI preferences. The default password is "kathreingps".

The WIFI signal could possibly be strongly disturbed. In this case, it is possible to set up a serial connection with the help of the delivered cable.

Why is the connection between the tablet and the tool offline during the job overview?

This is in order to save energy. As soon as you switch to the measurement, the connection will be re-established.

Why do some input fields have a red line marking on the left side?

All input fields with the red line marking are obligatory input fields to generate a report.

Why is it not possible to store the free measurement?

The free measurement is not intended for a report since no specifications are made for the obilgatory parameters. This measurement is designed for a preliminary check of the values.

What does it mean if the message "empty" is displayed after selecting the USB flash drive?

This special USB flash drive can not be recognized by the tablet. Please use another USB flash drive.

How can files from an external USB flash drive be selected?

Connect the USB flash drive to the external adapter cable. Then open the file manager ("Open Manager"), open the folder "storage" (if this is not visible, click on the path "/" on the upper left side) and then choose "ext-usb".

Why is the corresponding Kathrein App not available for a free download?

In order to guarantee the faultless functionality of the software in combination with the used hardware (e.g. barcode scanner, camera).

Can the GPS-Tool also be used for antennas other than Kathrein?

Yes, with the help of the included generic mounting belt.

In which languages is the Kathrein App available?

English and German.

Which file formats are available to save the report?

Secured pdf or xml.

Kathrein Street Connect (91)

What happens if a car is parked on the top lid?

It is not recommended to install the antenna in an area in which cars can be parked on top of the antenna. A parked car on the lid can have a negative influence on the antenna performance.

What happens when a truck / big vehicle is parked near the antenna?

With an obstacle nearby the antenna, there is nearly no change in the antenna performance. Buildings and also obstacles add more reflections to the environment which are used for getting the best MIMO effect.

What happens if the top lid is covered with water, snow or ice?

If the lid is covered with water, snow or ice this can lead to a slight effect on the antenna parameters. That's why in the antenna specifications, there is a margin for VSWR and isolation to become independent from weatherconditions.

What's the minimum depth of the hole which is required to embed the antenna?

The minimum depth is the height of the frame plus the margin for the cables. This is of course depending upon the used cable, the cable connectors and the cable run.

Which cables can be used?

1/4 inch cables should be used.

What is the recommended cable guiding in the manhole (from antenna to radio unit)?

This depends on the mounting scenario and the distance between the antenna and the radio unit. A max. force of 5N per cable must be hold. The feeder cables need to be installed strain relieved.

What is the best antenna orientation?

The angle between the main direction of one radiating element and the building should be around 45 degrees to get most reflections for best MIMO conditions.

If the antenna is used as an actual manhole, how would workers access below?

The damping element and the antenna can be demounted in a very short time. After this, the worker has free access to the area below the antenna.

Why is the polarisation dual vertical and what influence does that have on the MIMO effect?

The maximum MIMO effect is achieved by reflections in the dense urban environment (multipath propagation) and not by different polarisations (line of sight). In a multipath propagation environment, MIMO is working well with dual vertical polarised antennas.

Why is the antenna dual vertical polarised and not cross polarized?

Due to the design of the antenna, a dual vertical polarisation is achieved (addition of signals) even if there are not two vertical polarised dipoles inside.

Will future products support MIMO 4 x 4?

Depending on market demand we will add more versions of the Kathrein Street Connect antenna to our product portfolio.

Will future products support lowband, 1.5 GHz, 3.5 GHz, 5 GHz?

Depending on market demand we will add more versions of the Kathrein Street Connect antenna to our product portfolio.

How well does the IP68 rating protect the antenna if it is completely covered with water?

The antenna is water proof up to 1 m under water.

Gender Adapter and Port Extender (93)

When can the Gender Adapter be used?

The Gender Adapter can be used if exactly 2 BTS shall be connected to one common FlexRET antenna. The device is mounted on the AISG output of the FlexRET module and converts this AISG output to a second AISG input.

How is the Gender Adapter installed?

The Gender Adapter can easily be screwed on the FlexRET AISG output. For this, the chequered side of the Gender Adapter needs to be screwed on the FlexRET output. This has to be done prior to the installation of the AISG cables. The direction of mounting is also marked on the label of the Gender Adapter by an arrow showing to the chequered side plus the word "Antenna".

How are the antenna arrays allocated with the Gender Adapter?

The allocation of the different antenna arrays is performed during the commissioning phase of the BTS setup. The first active BTS can address those arrays which shall be controlled via this BTS. The other BTS will then only see the remaining arrays which have not been addressed by the first BTS and can then address these remaining arrays. Since the addressing cannot be performed by 2 BTS simultaneously, it is recommended to handle the commissioning consecutively.

How is the serial number of the FlexRET module extended when using a Gender Adapter?

At the input where the Gender Adapter is connected, the serial number of the FlexRET module is in addition to the array ID also extended by the character "G".

Example: CSG3415804G-Y1

The serial number of the FlexRET module at the original AISG input remains as before, e.g. CSG3415804-Y2.

How is daisy chaining of several FlexRET antennas realised?

If exactly 2 BTS are used and the allocated FlexRET antennas shall be used in daisy chain configuration, a Port Extender (86010163) is needed. This Port Extender is a device extending the one existing FlexRET input and output of the FlexRET antenna to two FlexRET inputs and outputs. Thus, exactly 2 BTS can share the input of the FlexRET antenna and can be daisy chained to the next FlexRET antenna. The last FlexRET antenna in daisy chain should be used with a Gender Adapter instead of the Port Extender. The inputs of the Port Extender are marked pairwise, i.e. “in” and “out” respectively “G-in” and “G-out”. It is important to always use the same input / output port at all daisy chained FlexRET antennas for the same BTS, e.g. all ports “in” / “out” for BTS 1 and all ports “G-in” / “G-out” for BTS 2.

Can the Port Extender be combined with external RCUs?

The FlexRET modules with connected Port Extender can also be daisy chained with external RCUs. If the RCUs are daisy chained behind a Port Extender, it is essential that the external RCUs are connected to the correct output of the Port Extender. If the RCUs shall be addressed by the BTS connected to input "in" of the Port Extender, they must be connected to output "out". If the RCUs shall be addressed by the BTS connected to input "G-in" of the Port Extender, they must be connected to output "G-out". If an output of the Port Extender remains unused, it should be terminated with the protection caps included in the scope of supply.

How is the serial number of the FlexRET module extended when using a Port Extender?

The serial number of the FlexRET module at input "G-in" is in addition to the array ID also extended by the character "G", e.g. CSG3415804G-Y1. The serial number of the FlexRET module at the input "in" remains as before, e.g. CSG3415804-Y2

How many FlexRET antennas/external RCUs can be controlled when using a Port Extender?

The number of controllable devices is not limited by the Port Extender. The maximum number of controllable devices depends on the BTS.

Which FlexRET antennas can be used with the Gender Adapter / Port Extender?

The Gender Adapter and Port Extender can only be used with FlexRET module 86010153V01. If the FlexRET module 86010153 is used, it needs to be exchanged in beforehand.

Can the Gender Adapter / Port Extender and the Site Sharing Adapter be combined?

A combination of the Gender Adapter or the Port Extender with the Site Sharing Adapter is not possible.